Sentencing

At sentencing, the Judge will consider the information in the pre-sentence report and the victim impact statement. Determination of the sentence is the Judge's sole responsibility. In Circuit Court, the Judge will also consult the sentencing guidelines established by the Michigan Supreme Court as a reference for framing an appropriate sentence. The Judge may consider different alternatives such as a fine, probation, community service, a sentence to jail or prison, or a combination. The Judge may also order the defendant to make restitution to the victim.